24-30 corn husks, soaked in warm water for about 20 minutes or until flexible

scallion greens, slices for garnish

For the masa:

1. Place the masa harina, 2 1/2 cups for the red pepper puree, the red chile powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl and combine until smooth. Allow the mixture to stand, covered, for about 15 minutes.

2. Add 1/3 of the shortening to the masa mixture, combining thoroughly before adding the remaining shortening in two additions. Mix thoroughly to combine. Mixture sould be easily spread with the back of a spoon about 1/3” thick. If the masa is too thick, adjust the consistency with warm water.

For the filling:

1. Combine all ingredients and set aside

For the sauce:

1. Preheat the oven to 350

2. Cut squash in half lengthwise, remove seeds and place cut-side down in baking pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until soft when pierced with a fork and slightly browned.

3. Set aside until cool enough to handle. Scoop the flesh and blend with the remaining ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings.

4. Place in saucepan and set aside until almost read to serve.

To assemble:

1. Tear one of the corn husks into 1/2” strips for tying the tamales closed

2. With the back of spoon, spread about 1/3 – 1/2 cup of masa into 4” sqaure in the middle of a cornhusk. The masa should be about 1/3” thick.

3. Place 1-3 tablespoons of goat cheese filling int the middle of masa. Fold the masa and cornhusk, envelope-style, to encase the filling. It will resemble a small, fat, cigar. Tie ends closed with cornhusk strips.

4. Repeat cornhusk-filling process

4. Place tamales in a large steamer set over simmering water and cover. Steam the tamales for about 45-50 minutes.

To serve:

1. Heat the Suace over medium low until warm, stirring occasionally.

2. Place a spoonful of sauce on a place, unwrap a tamale and place the tamale in the sauce. Garnish with scallion greens.